policelogoThe LGBT Network made a recent Freedom of Information request to find out how many serving police officers have been reported for homophobic conduct.




The Constabulary confirmed that over the past 5 years:




13 complaints have been made against serving police officers within Devon and Cornwall. 6 complaints are described as unsubstantiated, 6 complaints being dealt with by a dispensation and 1 complaint having being resolved locally.




A further 2 complaints filed between April 08 to current date – have yet to be resolved.




The Devon and Cornwall Constabulary refused to provide a copy of the policy which governs how they deal with homophobic officers.


The FOI unit cited Section 22 of the FOI, which allows public bodies to refuse to provide information if they planned on publishing it anyway. They do not have to provide a timescale, or confirm any other details about their intention to publish it.




The chair of the LGBT Network, has written to the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary to request an internal review. We feel that owning to the fact that several officers have been investigated for homophobic incidents – we should be able to see the policy, as it exists at the moment.




We will of course keep you updated.




Rob McDowall

Chair

LGBT Network






Update – MARCH 2009 –




We have received further information regarding the homophobic abuse from police officers and police
support officers. The LGBT Network have made two FOI requests, in order to obtain some further information about the alleged culture of homophobic abuse.




FOI request 1 – http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/complaints_and_investigations_of



FOI request 2 – http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/copy_of_documents_concerning_com


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I have been writing online for over 6 years and have lead a number of campaigns to highlight and challenge inequality. I have a special interest in LGBTQ policy, Scots Law, Politics and Volunteering.